A chocoholic is a person who craves or compulsively consumes chocolate. There is some medical evidence to support the existence of actual addiction to chocolate. However, the term is mostly used loosely or humorously to describe a person who is inordinately fond of chocolate. The word chocoholic was first used in 1968 according to Merriam-Webster. It is a portmanteau of "chocolate" and "alcoholic".
Chocoholism is quite common. In studies of food cravings, chocolate and chocolate confectioneries almost always top the list of foods people say they crave.
Video Chocoholic
Addiction
The essential components of addiction are intense craving for something, loss of control over the use of it, and continued use despite negative consequences. Studies have shown that people can exhibit all three of these components in relation to food, particularly food that contains sugar or fat. Since chocolate contains both, it is often used in studies of food addiction.
In addition to sugar and fat, chocolate contains several substances that can make it feel "addictive". These include tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating moods; high serotonin levels can produce feelings of elation. Another is phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter from which amphetamine is derived; phenylethylamine is nicknamed "chocolate amphetamine" and can cause feelings of excitement and attraction.
Despite some evidence that this type of addiction exists, there is no formal diagnosis given in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V).
Maps Chocoholic
Craving
Even scientists who doubt the existence of true addiction agree that chocolate craving is real. Women are especially affected.
One cause of chocolate craving could be magnesium deficiency.
Popular usage
- Many diet books, cookbooks, and even travel books claim to be for chocoholics.
- Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is described as "famously chocoholic".
- Companies such as Dairy Queen have released products using "Chocoholic" in their name.
See also
- Sugar addiction
References
External links
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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